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The collection of seals comprises 1945 items and consists
of both Russian (with many dies of the 17th to 20th
centuries) and Western European sections, with an
isolated group of 65 seals of the Doges of the Venetian
Republic (14th to 18th centuries) and 13 lead papal bulae
(13th-18th centuries). The collection is complemented by
heraldic book plates, drawings and embroidered
coat-of-arms. Overall, it is fascinating not only from the
scholarly or historical point of view, but also because
many items are remarkably beautiful examples of jewellery
and engraving.
The oldest Russian seal dates to the late 17th century
and belonged to the Albazinsky jail. Russian private
seals, made of metal and stone, occupy an important
place in the collection, and are often particularly famous
for their former owners: seals with the coat-of-arms of
field-marshal A. V. Suvorov-Rimniksky and his relations,
including his grandson A. A. Suvorov; seals of
Alexander I, with his monogram for Tsarskoye Selo;
Nicholas I; Alexander II; Grand Duke Constantine
Constantinovich; other members of the Romanov family.
Several artistically executed table seals of Baron D. A.
Benckendorf with his coat-of-arms should also be
mentioned, particularly as a number were made at the
Faberge workshop.
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Table Seal with the Coat-of-Arms of the Chertkov Family
Second half of the 19th century
Full description
Seal with the Slepovron Coat-of-Arms
Late 18th-early 19th centuries
Full description
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